The New York Knicks used a picture featuring Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant in a pitch to season-ticket holders, and then deleted it — further fueling the fire surrounding the superstar's upcoming free agency.

The photo included Knicks rookie Mitchell Robinson standing next to Durant during a game, and it featured a link for fans to learn more about renewal information for the 2019-20 season.

"Game action photos are used all the time for marketing purposes, but given everything going on, we took the precaution of taking the photo down," the Knicks said in a statement provided to multiple news outlets. "To be clear, it was one of several rotating photos on the website."

This comes a little over a week after the Knicks, who have an NBA-worst 10-45 record, traded away franchise cornerstone Kristaps Porzingis to Dallas, opening up more space to pursue big-name free agents this summer.

"I have nothing to do with the Knicks," Durant said. "I don't know who traded Porzingis. It's got nothing to do with me. I'm trying to play basketball. Ya'll come in here every day, ask me about free agency — ask my teammates, my coaches, you rile up the fans about it. Let us play basketball, that's all I'm saying."

Durant won just about every major player of the year award, including the Adolph Rupp Trophy, Naismith Award and Wooden Award. He was first freshman in NCAA history to win any other those awards. John Bazemore, AP

Durant has also established himself as a mainstay for USA Basketball. He was named tournament MVP after leading the U.S. to the gold medal at the 2010 FIBA World Championships. Franck Fife, AFP/Getty Images